Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing Arsenal contract rebel Alexandre Lacazette as they look to spend the big bucks following their newfound riches.
According to Fichajes, Premier League side Newcastle United are eyeing Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette as a potential signing on a Bosman move in the summer transfer window.
Now under new ownership, the Magpies look set for a wild ride in the upcoming transfer windows. Big plans are being drawn up for the Tyneside giants that will eventually see them compete for a UEFA Champions League spot and the biggest prizes in the game. While that may still be some while away, the rebuild will have to begin somewhere.
Newcastle are, thus, keen to bring in a star name who can serve as the face for the era to come. Glory is still far away, and the aim appears to consolidate their position as a Premier League club. Once that is achieved, they can gradually build towards a successful future. Manchester City might well have handed them the blueprint to achieve just that.
Newcastle have currently prepared a ten-man shortlist of players they have identified as the first piece of the puzzle. One of them is Arsenal contract rebel Alexandre Lacazette whose time at The Emirates might be drawing to a close.
The Frenchman was once among the most feared strikers in Ligue 1. He has had his moments at Arsenal but has fallen short of expectations. Now 30, he is in the final year of his contract at the club and is yet to pen fresh terms.
Lacazette is unlikely to win trophies at Arsenal, given the position they are in right now. While the Gunners have taken their first steps to rebuild their side, Newcastle have the resources to leave them in the mud. There is no guarantee that Lacazette will succeed at moving to St. James’ Park. He will, however, not be hampered by a lack of ambition from the club’s side, at least in the form of recruitment.
Despite his age, Lacazette has a good few years left in him. More so, he will add something that Newcastle sorely lack – a goalscorer. The Magpies have scored just eight times in seven Premier League games this season and are currently languishing in the 19th spot. To seek stability rather than instant glory is the right way to go, and Newcastle have 31 games left to salvage their season.
Arsenal will do well to push for a sale in January rather than in the summer. That way, they can at least recoup some of the amount they have invested in him the past few years. Newcastle, on the other hand, will have more money to invest elsewhere should the player move for free.
Lacazette is, however, not the only player on the Magpies’ radar. Other attackers on the list include his Arsenal teammate Pirre-Emerick Aubameyang, Chelsea’s Timo Werner, Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic, Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and Bayern Munich’s Kinglsey Coman.
If the Arsenal striker moves to St. James’ Park, it remains to be seen whether he will turn out to be Newcastle’s Robinho or Sergio Aguero.
